An artist's defense against the fear of loss of creativity toward the end of life

Journal/Book: Psychoanal Quart. 1995; 64: 175 Fifth Ave, Room 210, New York, NY 10010. Psychoanalytic Quarterly. 691-698.

Abstract: A creative artist in his mid-sixties had a strong desire to own and carry with him a drawing by Picasso-a self-portrait done three days before his death. The drawing created a sense of calm in the patient, such as had never occurred before with the possession of an object. An apparent preoccupation with death might have obscured the primary concern of the artist, which was about the loss of creative power, and it was for this reason that he wanted to possess the drawing. The idea that this might be viewed as a transitional object at the end of life is discussed.

Note: Article M Viederman, Cornell Univ, Med Ctr, New York Hosp, 525 E 68TH St, New York, NY 10021 USA

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